Skateboard Ramp Design Is All About The Transition Curve
There are a variety of different skateboard ramps that can be built by amateur skateboarder and carpenters. If you want to build your own skateboarding ramp, the process begins with the transition. This is the curve at the bottom of the ramp that takes the rider, via a curved surface, from top to bottom smoothly.
The ramps that skateboarders use the most are those with transition curves built into their design. A half-pipe ramp is built of two transition connected by a flat floor and a platform at the top of each curved end. A quarter-pipe is half of a half-pipe so it has a single transition and platform at the top of its curve.
Transition cuts require a pattern to be first drawn onto plywood before the plywood is cut. The tools you need include a long 2 inch by 6 inch board, a marker, a screw, and string. These will be used to draw out the transition curve.
The transition of a skateboard ramp is a feature that should be made with the right tools to create a smooth curve. The pencil and compass method of creating transitions is the easiest way to accomplish this part of the construction. Carpenters have used this method to produce cathedrals and domes and is the best way to build this equipment yourself
Use the ground as your work area. Put the plywood flat on the ground so that the wood is wider than it is taller. Lay a long 2 inch by 6 inch board on top of the ply wood so when one end of the board is paired with the bottom of the plywood the top of the 2 inch by 6 inch board reaches above the top edge of the plywood.
Measure the board from one end 6 feet 10 inches and put a nail in the side of the board. Take one end of the string and tie it to the nail in the board. Now you have a way to draw a perfect transition curve on the plywood. Bring the other end of the string to the end of the board that is aligned with the bottom of the plywood.
Cut the string and tie a marker to the loose end so that the marker begins to mark the plywood at the bottom of the board. Drag the marker across the surface of the plywood to make a curve on the surface to cut later. You will need to keep the pencil end of the string tight enough to keep the pencil moving around the central pivot smoothly while drawing out the transition.
A 4 foot by 8 foot piece of plywood will let you cut two transitions this size from one sheet of plywood. Box in the transitions, connect them with 2 inch by 4 inch boards and then lay plywood over the transition. When you build your own skateboarding ramp that uses a circular transition it requires a transition curve to smoothly deliver a skateboarder up or down transition equipment like these.
If you enjoyed this article about skateboarding ramps you may also enjoy these free skateboarding games.
June 10, 2011 | Posted by Edward Lowe
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